I found pimento cheese while we were living down south and let me tell you, I’m now an official fan for life. I mean, who can’t find some way to eat this versatile cheese spread? Crackers – check! Celery – check! Pimento cheese sandwich on some soft white bread – check! Taco chips – check! Probably my favorite is to put it on a cheese burger with some crispy, crumbled bacon – OMG Check! With the Super Bowl coming up, I needed a low carb dip that I can handle on veggies, so I decided to go with this, but, this is not my usual version. I saw an older episode of Barfoot Contessa where she was touring around New York and she was in a cheese shop (Stinky’s) that made this spicy version. All I had was the video so I’m not sure my measurements are the same as theirs, plus I added some granulated garlic and some smoked paprika – yeah!! It’s super easy and you can adjust the spice and heat levels according to what you like.
Here’s what ya need:
- Cheddar cheese – what I haver here is a block weighing .65/lb – hand shredded
- 1 cup chopped Piquillo peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped jarred jalapenos (more to taste)
- 1 cup mayo
- 3-4 oz. room temperature cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of the following: celery salt, onion powder and paprika
- pinch or two of salt – the picked veggies/cheese/hot sauce add salt too so start lightly
- 3/4 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne and smoked paprika
- 1-3 tbsp. siracha sauce – optional but nice!
Shred your cheese up and set aside. I like to shred myself for this one, no need for the extra dusting of anti-clumping dust they use in this. Feel free to use what you have hanging around though. Chop the pepper and toss into a big mixing bowl.
Add the mayo, pinch of salt and the spices – stir to combine thoroughly . Add the cream cheese and the cheddar – fold in the cheese until it’s all mixed together. Add as much Siracha or hot sauce as you like. Taste for seasoning, but remember it’s going to chill in the fridge and the spice will increase a little. Chill for a few hours, just to let the flavors mingle. Use for a dip or a sandwich or anything else you can think of. Enjoy!!
Amy’s Kitchen 